Verdejo, Donaire Headline December 11 TruTV Event In Puerto Rico

ByBoxing Press

The boxing gem of Puerto Rico, undefeated Top-Five world-rated lightweight contender Felix “El Diamante” Verdejo, and former five-division world champion and 2012 Fighter of the Year Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, will headline, in separate title bouts, the year-end finale of Friday Night Knockout on truTV, on Friday, December 11.

Verdejo will be making his homecoming a 10-round defense of his WBO Latino lightweight title against Josenilson Dos Santos and Donaire, who is on the cusp of another world title shot, will be challenging WBO International junior featherweight champion and No. 1 world-rated contender Cesar Juarez in a 12-round rumble.

Both fights will be televised live from Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico on truTV, beginning at 10 :00 p.m. ET/PT. The live boxing series is presented by truTV and Top Rank and produced in association with HBO Sports.

The four warriors boast a combined record of 95-9 (64 KOs), a winning ratio of 91%, with 2/3 of their total victories coming by way of knockout.

“Fighting as a headliner at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum and in front of my people is a dream that I have always had since I was a little kid,” said Verdejo. “And now, thanks to all the love and support Puerto Rico has given my career, on December 11, I’m going to be able to fulfill that dream. I hope to give all that love back with a big win that unifies my people in a sentiment of happiness and brotherhood.”

“My goal is to get back on top. I am refocused for what I must do in the ring,” said Donaire. That’s why this fight in Puerto Rico is so important for me and my boxing career. I am reading a book called The Power of Habits. It is about getting rid of bad habits and instead using good habits each and every day. It all restarts for me on December 11.”

“Fighting in Puerto Rico is our way of giving our people a night of happiness and union,” said Ricky Marquez, Verdejo’s trainer and manager. “This is the opportunity that Top Rank has given us, to bring together to this Coliseum, whole families, friends, neighbors. It will be a big Puerto Rican party where we all celebrate Felix’s evolution from prospect to contender.”

“December 11 promises to deliver a great night of fights with an unbelievable atmosphere for fans both watching at home on truTV and the thousands in attendance at Roberto Clemente Coliseum,” said Carl Moretti, Vice President of Top Rank.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Diamante Promotions, tickets to the Verdejo vs. Dos Santos / Donaire vs. Juarez championship event go on sale today, priced at $150, $100, $75, $50, $40 and $25, plus applicable charges, tickets can be purchased at www.TicketCenterPR.com, all Ticket Center outlets or charge by phone at (787) 792-5000.